Sepp Blatter describes himself as 'the godfather of women's football'

Sepp Blatter today described himself as “the godfather of women's football” and called for more females to be elected into positions of power in the game.

FIFA president Blatter, who once suggested women wear tighter kits to increase the popularity of the women's game, admits football “is still macho” and says more needs to be done to increase the number of women in senior roles.

“I would not say women’s football is my baby but I consider myself a little bit as a godfather of the organisation of women's football in FIFA. We started very late but today we can say that women’s football is all around the world. But there is still a lot to do.

Blatter, speaking to the BBC’s world service, added: “The woman’s game is not respected enough and in future we have to respect it more. And not only for giving it more money for developing, but also access to the leadership.

“You should ask and insist, especially in Europe and Asia where women’s football is so developed, that the heads of football confederations should propose a woman in the FIFA executive committee."